All-stars and Athletes of the Year Cap School Sports Year

So, people have been asking me, with all the high school sports championships finished, the school year coming to a close - what do I do?

Well, just remember what Yogi Berra said: "It's not over til it's over."

We're not finished just yet. The Prentice Cup baseball final still has to be played - at Toronto's Connorvale Park instead of the Rogers Centre, because a suitable date could not be sealed by the Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations from those provided by the Toronto Blue Jays. So, the kids play in the local park rather than where the pros call home.

After that, time to roll out the Star's annual high school all-star baseball team - a group of very talented young players. Yes, some could be drafted this week. Others are off to university in the fall. And they'll also be recognized on the field at the Rogers Centre on June 23 - just before the Blue Jays play St. Louis.

There's more. Probably the most detailed project of the year. I think it is, since every Public, Private and Catholic high school in the Greater Toronto Area - from the city north to York Region, east to Durham Region and west to Halton Region, has to be contacted.

It's the Star's 30th annual salute to high school "athletes of the year". These are the top athletes, chosen by their respective schools, who are recognized for their success in sports this past school year. Some schools have different criteria in their selection process. Some schools also don't even choose an athlete of the year.

So, lots to do and we hope schools - who were sent letters and reminded by athletic associations - get their information to us so these impressive teenagers are not left off a list that has grown to well over 600 girls and boys.

Some great high school stories, pictures and profiles still to come in the Star's Sports pages and on the website before we close the book on another interesting, controversial and rewarding school sports year.

Comments

[Wayne]

So much for high school baseball in the Greater Toronto Area. It's all Windsor in the final after Sinclair got waxed.

[Mr. Webster]

Can you tell us when the high school baseball all-stars will appear in the Toronto Star.

[Donnelly]

You should consider adding schools from Barrie too because we get the Star up here and like your high school sports website and all the stories in the paper.

[Brian R.]

I am a coach and wondering if you have considered listing a high school coach of the year from each school. That would be a nice idea.

[Jim Barnes]

Hi David, just wondering if you ever thought of doing a follow up on former high school athletes of the year - under a heading like "Where are they now?" Some go on to contribute greatly to University sports and to academic success. One former athlete chosen as a photo athlete for the Star's spread one year is graduating UofT this week having played five years for the women's soccer team as their keeper - even though she had never played that position throughout her high school career. She received OUA athlete and CIA athlete of the week and was voted to the first team OUA all stars. I am sure there are many athletes with similar stories that were honoured by your paper. Just a thought. Thanks for all you do to keep high school sports front and center. God bless you.

[David Grossman]

Wet grounds at Connorvale Park in Toronto has forced the postponement of Wednesday's 12 noon baseball final between Windsor's Vincent Massey and St. Anne from Belle River.
Paul Solarski, the chairman of the provincial school baseball sports advisory committee, told me that the field was not suitable for playing and his concern was the safety of players.
Good call, Paul.
The Prentice Cup final, for the first time in many years, will go to a team from outside the Greater Toronto Area. It will be played in Windsor - and it makes perfect sense for both schools, from that area, to have their local fans.
I have been told that the game will be played tonight, a 9:15pm. first pitch.
Long day for these two teams.
The bronze medal game, between Sinclair of Whitby and St. Mary of Pickering, will be played in Durham Region. I have not been advised of a date for this game.

[Mrs. Singer]

I am the parent of a 17 year old girl who plays sports for her school. I have heard rumours that OFSAA is preventing you from attending events but won't say what the reason might be. If this is true, shame on OFSAA. You do so much for these young athletes. What is wrong with those people at OFSAA anyway. I find what the Star and you do is very good and the inspirational stories have helped my daughter. People need to rally and start asking who is this OFSAA group anyway and what have you done that has them supposedly acting in an un-rationale way and setting a bad example.

[David Grossman]

Yes, the Prentice Cup was played - but in Windsor.
In a game that started after 9:00pm. on Wednesday, and ended well in to the early hours of Thursday morning, Vince Massey of Windsor defeated regional rivals St. Anne of Belle River, 3-2.
Sorry, the score didn't make the Thursday edition of the Toronto Star, because of the time and deadlines.
Joel Pierce, who was drafted in the seventh round (219th overall) by the Milwaukee Brewers on Tuesday, was the only player to get two hits. Tyler Gauthier threw a complete game two-hitter for the win escaping a bases loaded one out jam in the 7th.

[Shabeeh]

when will the list of all the athletes of the year be published?